Digital revolution kicks off at DigiTech ASEAN & AI Connect

At the forefront of this transformation is Thailand, where the digital economy is expected to contribute 30% of GDP by 2030, fuelled by the country’s ongoing Industry 4.0 digital transformation policies.

According to the “e-Conomy SEA 2024” report, published by Google, Bain, and Temasek, reveals that Southeast Asia's digital economy is expected to reach a value of $263 billion in 2024, marking a 15% growth from the prior year. Thailand's digital economy, specifically, is estimated at around $53 billion, reflecting a 19% increase over the previous year. Alongside recent announcements of investments in technology and data centres by global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, this development highlights Thailand's potential to become a leading hub for digital and technology businesses.

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, is set to welcome over 6,000 Thailand and International visitors. The event will serve as a premier platform for exploring cutting-edge technology and digital solutions, fostering business partnerships, collaborations, networking opportunities, and offering valuable industry insights.

Taking place at the Hall 6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand from 20–22 November 2024, the event will feature 350+ digital brands showcasing their latest innovations across eight key digital segments including business software, cyber security, e-commerce and digital marketing, data and cloud, smart solutions and IoT, 5G technology and networks, Web 3.0, and AI.

The significance of DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 is underscored by its endorsement from leading organizations such as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), and more than 30 government agencies and industry associations. Twenty-two Thailand and international media partners, solidifying its status as one of the region’s most anticipated technology driven event.

This year’s event will emphasise innovation, networking, and knowledge sharing in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, providing an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to engage with the latest trends, challenges, and business opportunities.

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 has also secured the support of prominent sponsors, including G-able Public Company Limited, iCE Consulting Company Limited, and ICHI Media, along with other major companies like Alibaba Cloud, , Alisa AI, ADI Resourcing Co., Ltd., Clicknext Co., Ltd., Coremail Hong Kong Co., Ltd., DCSS (Thailand) Co.,Ltd., Forward System Co.,Ltd., Funcrowds Co., Ltd., HP Inc (Thailand) Ltd., myHR Corporation Limited, Net Bright Co., Ltd., PALO IT (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Protoss Technology Co., Ltd., Round Two Solutions Co., Ltd., Toppan Ecquaria Pte Ltd, True Digital Group Co, Ltd., VBix Innovation Co., Ltd. and Zoho Corporation among others.

Ms. Peerayapan Pongsanarm, Assistant Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management, stated that DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2024 serves as a platform showcasing Thailand’s potential in digital innovation and AI. This event not only supports Thailand’s high-value industries but also creates new business opportunities, strengthens international cooperation, and aligns with Thailand’s goal of advancing toward a sustainable, innovation-driven economy. It is anticipated that the event will attract over 6,000 participants from both Thailand and abroad.

Kalaya Udomvitid, PhD Executive Vice President, Organisation Management National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that Thailand’s transition to a digital and AI-driven economy is a key mission for the NSTDA. This mission will be propelled through the ‘MHESI for AI’ policy, which focuses on equipping the workforce with AI knowledge and skills essential for driving the nation’s digital economy. The goal is to ensure 90% of graduates possess foundational AI knowledge upon graduation and to train 30,000 AI professionals within three years. This initiative involves partnerships between higher education institutions and the private sector to provide AI training and online courses to upskill personnel, supporting Thailand’s advancement as a leader in AI within the ASEAN region. Mr. Teeravut Thongpak, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, stated that Thailand is moving toward becoming a regional data hub. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) has been preparing robust digital infrastructure and fostering public confidence by implementing the Cloud First Policy to address the growing demands for data usage and government innovation development. This initiative aims to create a favourable environment for digital investment and data centres, paving the way for AI innovation development.

Additionally, the MDES has been advancing AI development across multiple dimensions, such as introducing the Thailand AI Ethics Guideline, which provides a framework for researchers, designers, developers, and AI service providers to adopt ethical AI practices. The ministry has also collaborated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) to develop and implement the National AI Action Plan (2022–2027) to drive Thailand's development. This includes cultivating AI talent, establishing infrastructure to support AI development, and promoting AI innovation and applications to position Thailand as a regional leader in technology.

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand and AI Connect 2024 event happening at Hall 6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 20–22 November 2024.